Rail Trail Extension Study

As part of the implementation of the Town Center Master Plan, the City of Chamblee was granted an LCI Supplemental Study Grant from the Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC) in the Summer of 2015. The study focused on developing a conceptual design to extend the existing Chamblee Rail-Trail eastward from its terminus behind Walmart for 0.90 miles to Chamblee Dunwoody Way (see Rail Trail Study Area Map). The city contracted with the Heath-Lineback Engineers, Inc. team which included Perez Planning + Design to undertake the study. As part of the planning process, the project team assembled a stakeholder group made up of representatives of local land owners and development interests, to provide guidance in formulating the study’s recommendations. Two public meetings were held during the course of the study to present draft concepts for the trail to the public, and to take public input. The study was completed in the Summer of 2016 after several opportunities for the public to view work in progress and have input on the trail’s design.

The Rail Trail project study builds upon the success of the previous LCI Studies in making Chamblee one of the best examples of Transit Oriented Development (TOD) in the region. The Rail Trail project will achieve a number of community objectives, including:

(1) Facilitation of TOD around the Chamblee MARTA Station. Redevelopment is already occurring at both ends of the existing Rail Trail, and that is proof that it can serve as a stimulus to TOD.
(2) Creation of a public amenity- a new city park- at the junction of the Rail Trail that will both provide public recreation and enhance redevelopment of the adjacent MARTA tract.
(3) Improve water quality through development of modern storm water management facilities to meet current NPDES standards; and
(4) Provide pedestrian and bicycle connectivity by converting an abandoned rail corridor to a public amenity- a trail extension through the heart of downtown.